Put on your art hats because one of Saudi’s most loved events is back.
The Diriyah Art Biennale has been building up hype since October, 2025 when the art celebration revealed its dates and theme.
While the dates were dropped via the official Instagram accounts of Biennale and JAX District, the theme was first reported by Arab News.
If you have been to the heart of art in Riyadh recently, you must have seen the preparations.
Now, Diriyah Art Biennale tickets have been released.
The exhilarating news was revealed on Instagram on Tuesday, January 13.
Introduced back in 2021, the art event is one of the most beloved celebrations of the year.
The Contemporary Art Biennale is an international showcase and celebration of contemporary art, featuring artists from around the world.
The third Biennale is going big, bringing together over 70 artists from around the world and unveiling more than 20 brand-new commissions. All of it will take place in Diriyah’s buzzing creative district, turning the space into a vibrant hub of fresh ideas, bold artworks, and inspiring conversations.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation knows just how much Saudi contemporary art deserves the spotlight, and it delivers big time. Think bold new commissions, thought-provoking talks, hands-on workshops, and live performances that bring creativity to life. With Jeddah’s Bricklab shaping the spaces and US-based wHY crafting the scenography, even the setting is a work of art. One corner of the JAX site was transformed into a tailor-made venue for the first-ever biennale, giving you an immersive, interactive way to experience the Kingdom’s most exciting artistic voices on both a local and global stage.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 location
The 2021 and the 2024 events were held in the colorful district of JAX. So, it really is no surprise that the 2026 edition will be taking over the JAX District once more.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 dates
The festival will run for almost 92 days starting from Friday, January 30 to Saturday, May 2.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 tickets
General admission tickets for the Biennale have been gone live for free. All you have to do is go to biennale.org.sa and choose your preferred dates.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 theme
The 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, titled “In Interludes and Transitions,” is all about capturing moments of change and movement. The name is inspired by a casual Arabic expression that describes the rhythm of life in nomadic communities, where people move from one camp to another, embracing new beginnings along the way.
This year’s theme explores how these cycles of travel, migration, and transformation still shape the Gulf today, connecting its past to the wider world. It’s a celebration of journeys, both physical and emotional, and how they influence identity, culture, and creativity in a constantly evolving region.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 curation team
The 2026 edition will be shaped by an expanded curatorial team led by artistic directors Nora Razian (Art Jameel, Dubai and Jeddah) and Sabih Ahmed (Ishara Art Foundation, Dubai). They are joined by international curators Maan Abu Taleb, May Makki, Kabelo Malatsie, and Lantian Xie, with Milan-based architect Sammy Zarka serving as associate architect and exhibition designer, working in close collaboration with the curators.
Diriyah Art Biennale 2026 what to expect
Together, the curation team will shape the upcoming edition, bringing diverse perspectives and curatorial voices into dialogue.
More art events in Riyadh
Annual art events Noor Riyadh and the AlUla Art Festival are definite must-visits when it comes to art in Saudi. If you are looking to enjoy some art before January 30, you can head down to Tahlia street for the seventh edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium or the Diriyah Arts Future for a brand-new art show.
Free. Fri Jan 30-Thu Apr 23. JAX District. Diriyah, @biennale_sa / biennale.org.sa.
